Betis is looking for confirmation after a season that saw them come close to a European title: the green-and-whites reached the Conference League final, succumbing to a clearly stronger Chelsea. Manuel Pellegrini’s team also did well in the league, finishing sixth and qualifying for the Europa League.
The experienced Argentine coach has been confirmed, but the squad appears less competitive than last year due to numerous departures. Jesus Rodriguez and Cardoso have left for Como and Atletico Madrid respectively, and most notably, Brazilian Antony, who arrived from Manchester United in the last winter transfer window and had rediscovered the consistency he had lacked since his time at Ajax, is also gone.
In addition, Pellegrini will be without Isco, the most talented player despite his age, at least until November (the former Real Madrid player fractured his fibula). In their last two friendlies, Betis lost to Como (2-3) and Malaga (3-1), two results that are a little worrying ahead of their league debut at newly promoted Elche. Eder Sarabia’s men finished second in the last Segunda Division championship behind Levante, collecting 77 points and winning promotion without having to go through the playoffs. The purgatory in the second division therefore lasted only two years for a club that will have to try not to end up back down there immediately.
Odds comparison
The “Goal” bet is priced at 1.85 on Lottomatica and 1.77 on Snai. The “1X” bet is priced at 1.65 on Lottomatica and Snai.
- GOLDBET – Up to €3050 for sports and casino with 200% on your first sports deposit up to €1000 MORE INFO
- SNAI – €15 free + 50% on your first deposit up to €30 MORE INFO
- LOTTOMATICA – Up to €3050 for sports and casino with 200% on your first sports deposit up to €1000 MORE INFO
The prediction
Many players are missing for Betis: in addition to Isco, Abde, Llorente, and Roca will also be absent. It will not be easy, therefore, to face a newly promoted team that is full of enthusiasm and will most likely manage to snatch at least one point. The hosts will almost certainly find the back of the net in a match that will see at least one goal scored by each side.
Probable line-ups for Elche-Betis
ELCHE (4-5-1): Dituro; Álvaro Núñez, Bigas, Affengruber, Petrot; Josan, Febas, Aguado, Mendoza, Valera; Álvaro Rodríguez.
BETIS (4-2-3-1): Pau López; Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, Junior Firpo; Fornals, Altimira; Pablo García, Lo Celso, Riquelme; Cucho Hernandez.